MHL Consortium Releases 4K Video Over USB 3.1 To TV Specification

MHL connectors have enabled advanced smartphones to both receive a charge as well as transmit 1080p video through the same USB cable for some time now, but as ever, technological progress is pushing things a bit more. This week, MHL has developed an Alternate Mode for the USB Type-C specification, which enables it to support 4K video, multi-channel surround sound audio, HDCP 2.2 and is backward compatible with existing versions of the MHL specification.

“The USB Type-C cable and connector is designed to be a long-lasting, robust solution that is ideal for all platforms and devices,” said Jeff Ravencraft, USB-IF President and COO. “The USB-IF will be working in conjunction with MHL, LLC to establish complementary certification and compliance programs to properly support USB Type-C hosts and devices that incorporate MHL Alt Mode. The USB-IF is also in the process of developing joint port identification guidelines. We’re coordinating with MHL, LLC to ensure consumers can recognize when MHL Alt Mode is supported on USB Type-C devices.”

The specs are being released to the world (and in turn, manufacturers) right away, but there's no word yet on when we'll see phones and accessories that support it. Regardless, it's great news for those yearning for more 4K material. Now that phones at large can support it, chances are that more and more source material will be shot and released in the format.